EAF-Nansen Programme. Framework of the Science Plan

Abstract

This science plan complements the project document for the EAF‐Nansen Programme (Supporting the Application of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries management considering climate and pollution impacts). It provides greater detail on the main research areas, principles to be applied and regions that the Programme will cover during its first five years of operation. Contents are based on FAO staff own knowledge of the needs of developing countries in marine and fisheries science, research and management, priorities set by main regions as reflected in the strategic documents, and several interactions with national, regional and international stakeholders, including a recent meeting held at IMR (Bergen Norway) attended by key international and regional partners. In addition to IMR and FAO, these included IAEA, IOC and IOC‐Africa, WIOMSA, GESAMP, CCLME, BCC, the Global Oceans Assessment, Grid‐Arendal, the EU funded project PREFACE, the Hjort Centre, IEO (Spanish Institute of Oceanography), the University of Vigo (Spain) and the University of Bergen, Norway). Detailed plans by regions/countries will be refined/developed through consultations to take place opportunistically (i.e. in connection with meetings being organized by existing regional mechanisms) prior to the start of the Programme in July 2016.